RedPrairie, JDA finalize merger

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

RedPrairie and JDA Software Group said late last week they have completed a merger first announced Nov. 1 between the two supply chain software companies.
The merged entity, which will be branded under the JDA name and based in JDA’s current headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., created a combined entity with revenue of more than $1 billion. The merger is designed to leverage the strengths of JDA in supply chain planning, merchandising, and pricing arenas, and RedPrairie in warehousing, workforce management, store operations, and e-commerce, as well as a large roster of overlapping customers.
“Since the merger agreement was announced on Nov. 1, 2012, the two companies have been preparing an integration plan designed to rapidly combine the operations of the two companies into one,” the companies said in a statement. “The plan is now substantially complete, and the integration process will begin early in the new year and will be rapidly followed up with an integrated product roadmap in the second quarter.”
The companies said they plan to unveil the product convergence roadmap in time for a combined user group conference May 5. “Among our shared customers, over 300 have already chosen solutions from both firms, underscoring the potential of our highly complementary product suites,” said JDA President and Chief Executive Officer Hamish Brewer, who will lead the merged entity. “We are committed to building on our best-in-class solutions portfolio to create the most compelling and comprehensive offering for both current and new customers seeking global supply chain solutions and services,”
Greenhill & Co. served as financial advisor to RedPrairie and dealer manager for the tender offer; and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP acted as legal counsel. Credit Suisse also served as a financial advisor to RedPrairie. J.P. Morgan acted as financial advisor to JDA. DLA Piper LLP acted as legal counsel for JDA; and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP represented the independent board directors of JDA.American Shipper detailed the ramifications of the merger in its December issue. - Eric Johnson